Nothing lasts forever. Palace could not keep winning under Alan Pardew, and after enjoying four straight wins since moving into the manager's chair his luck ran out.

Having fought back from behind in his two previous Premier League games in charge, Palace conceded an early goal to Romelu Lukaku, but in the remaining 88 minutes were unable to find a way past a well drilled Everton defence.

This was a back line that had started to be questioned after a winless run that stretched back to mid-December, and into November if home wins against QPR don't count!

After their third away victory of the season lifted Everton three points ahead of Palace, boss Roberto Martinez said: "It is not a relief, but a feeling of satisfaction.

"We had to be perfect against team full of confidence and after 12 goals in the previous four games have shown they can score with ease.

Great start: Lukaku slides home for Everton

"We know expectations are high but when you go onto the pitch you need to enjoy yourself. It has felt for a while that we couldn't do that.

"We don't live in an hermetic chamber. We know we must win points and now we can take this into the final third of the season. We created the best chances of the game. I thought we defended extremely well, it wasn't a fortunate win.

"I thought Romelu was quite infectious in the way he worked hard for the team. He gave everything."

Pardew had told the Palace faithful to enjoy the run of form, but they didn't get long to wallow in it. It took less than two minutes for Everton to make the breakthrough, Steven Naismith crossing from the right and Julian Speroni parrying the low cross into the path of of the incoming Lukaku to knock the ball over the line.

Palace vs Everton shots (on target)

13 (3)

Palace

14 (2)

Everton

No-one doubts the spirit in the Palace team. They have saved 14 points from losing positions this season, more than any other Premier League team.

The question is why are they need to go behind before they get into gear.They responded in the manner you'd expect and it took a a brilliant goal-line clearance by Phil Jagielka to deny Dwight Gayle a quick equaliser.

"I thought it was over," said Palace boss Pardew. "Whoever invented goalline technology needs a kick up the backside!

John Stones was a rock at the back as the visitors weathered Palace's response, and the Eagles weren't helped by having to reshuffle mid-way through the half when impressive Marouane Chamakh departed with a broken nose after a clash of heads, bringing an early debut from £5.75 signing Jordon Mutch.

The urgency started to fade from the Eagles and, had it not been for an excellent covering tackle by Joel Ward, Lukaku might even have added a second before the break.

As the game progressed Everton became progressively more comfortable at the back, while the quality of Palace's final ball got worse the more desperate they became.

Everton keeper Joel Robles was cautioned for time wasting, but it was needless as the greater threat was at the other end, with Lukaku twice in a good position to extend the Toffees' lead, and Speroni making an excellent save to deny McGeady.

Pardew said: "It was frustrating but I had a strange feeling the first goal would be decisive. "We did lots of good technical play, but never produced that classical moment.

"Going behind effected our performance. To go a goal down so early was a big blow.The loss of Chamakh was significant. His experience would have been a big help."